Building named after war hero

Warrant Officer Class 2 Gary O'Donnell was said to have saved many lives

A bomb disposal expert who was posthumously awarded with a Bar on his George Medal will have his regiment's accommodation block named after him.

Warrant Officer Class 2 Gary O'Donnell, 40, was trying to clear a path for fellow soldiers when he was killed in Afghanistan in September 2008.

WO2 O'Donnell already held the George Medal for defusing bombs in Iraq.

His loved ones will attend the 11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps' Didcot ceremony.

'Brave as a lion'

The bomb disposal expert was given the further honour - the first to be given in 26 years - for "repeated and sustained acts of immense bravery".

"During his tour in Afghanistan, O'Donnell disposed of over 50 improvised explosive devices," the MoD said.

"He repeatedly placed himself in immense personal danger and saved an untold amount of lives with his skill and selfless determination."

The father-of-four, from Edinburgh, lived in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire.

Earlier, Lt Gen Sir Graeme Lamb, commander of the British Field Army, said: "Gary O'Donnell - George Medal and Bar. Bigger than life. Brave as a lion."

The George Medal was instituted in 1940 and is one of the military's highest awards for courage.

Colleagues from the EOD (bomb disposal unit) and the Mayor of Didcot, Councillor Tony Harbour will also attend the event on Thursday.